THROAT CULTURE, COMPREHENSIVE

Test Code

LAB228

CPT Codes
87070

Includes

Includes isolation of potentially pathogenic aerobic organisms and susceptibility testing, if indicated. A culture for Corynebacterium diphtheriae must be specifically requested. Please indicate on request form if desired. Specimen source is required for processing.

Preferred Specimen

Collect in culturette

Instructions

The specimen should be submitted to the lab as soon as possibile after collection, preferably in less than 1 hour.

Transport Container

sterile swab nasopharyngeal swab bactiswab

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Daily Report Available:3 days

Reference Range

No growth,
Few normal respiratory flora, Light growth normal respiratory flora

Clinical Significance

Throat swab specimens are most commonly used to diagnose group A streptococcal pharyngitis, but may also be helpful in determining the etiologic agent of epiglottis, a rapidly progressing cellulitis with the potential to cause obstruction of the airway.

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Microbiology

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.